Are We There Yet?: Fall Into A Beautiful Autumn Weekend

We're heading into the first weekend of fall, and it looks to be a gorgeous one. So this week I'm keeping all of my suggestions ones you can do outdoors. Because winter and cabin fever won't be too far behind.

There are two free events that run both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 and 28, that are good choices for kids of all ages.

First in Williamstown is a local celebration of National Alpaca Farm Days at Sweet Brook Farm on Oblong Road (in south Williamstown, to be exact). From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, the public can meet and learn about alpacas and the beautiful fiber they provide during shearing each year.The Green Mountain Spinners and Weavers and the Stephentown, N.Y., Guilds will demonstrate their crafts, and visitors are welcome to try their hands at spinning and weaving. The Sweet Brook Farm store will be fully stocked with everything alpaca, from this season's newest alpaca yarn and knitting and crochet kits and tools, to fine alpaca apparel for men, women, and children, and alpaca toys. Maple syrup and maple products made on the farm will also be available for sale.  

The event is free. For more information, contact Beth Phelps at 413-884-4246 or visit sweetbrookfarm.com.

Heading south of the annual Apple Squeeze festival in Lenox. From 10 a.m to 5 p.m. both days, downtown Lenox will be teeming with entertainment, an apple chili challenge, a kids fair at Lilac Park, artists and crafters, and more. Visit lenox.org for details.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, head back to Williamstown for the Hopkins Forest Fall Festival. This event, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m., celebrates the changing of the seasons and the bounty of our wooded environments, and features music, apple butter and cider production, refreshments, a canopy walkway, an active honey bee hive, and children’s activities including a crafts table.

There will also be hands-on activities including traditional shake-splitting and a cross-cut saw competition.  The festival is free to the public and appropriate for all ages in the lovely forest, tucked off the beaten path but close to downtown Williamstown. You can find directions here.

Otherwise, get outside and pick some apples, rake some leaves and enjoy the weekend.